Heterozygous knockout insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) regulates mitochondrial functions and prevents colitis and colorectal cancer.

Although insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) has been accepted as a major determinant of cancers, its biological roles and corresponding mechanisms in tumorigenesis have remained elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that IGF-1R plays pivotal roles in the regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain and functions during colitis and tumorigenesis. Heterozygous knockout IGF-1R attenuated azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and colitis associated cancer (CAC) in Igf1r+/- mice. Heterozygous knockout IGF-1R confers resistance to oxidative stress-induced damage on colorectal epithelial cells by protecting mitochondrial dynamics and structures. IGF-1R low expression improves the biological function of mitochondrial fusion under oxidative stress. Mechanically, an increase in respiratory coupling index (RCI) and oxidative phosphorylation index (ADP/O) was seen in colorectal epithelial cells of Igf1r+/- mice. Seahorse XFe -24 analyzer analysis of mitochondrial bioenergetics demonstrated an increase in oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and a decrease of extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in Igf1r+/- cells. Further analysis suggests the protection mechanisms of Igf1r+/- cells from oxidative stress through the activation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and LKB1/AMPK pathways. These results highlight the biological roles of IGF-1R at the nexus between oxidative damage and mitochondrial function and a connection between colitis and colorectal cancer.